To buy Levi's Shrink-to-Fit jeans, specifically rigid Levi's 501® jeans, and plan to shrink them using the bathtub method, you should adjust the size you purchase.
Understanding Levi's Shrink-to-Fit
Levi's Shrink-to-Fit jeans, often the classic rigid 501® style, are made from raw, unwashed denim. They are designed to shrink significantly during the first wash, conforming to the wearer's body shape over time. This allows for a custom, broken-in fit.
Sizing for Shrinking
According to Levi's, if you intend to shrink your rigid 501® jeans in the bathtub to achieve that personalized fit, there is a specific sizing recommendation to follow:
- Waist: Buy your true size in the waist.
- Length: Buy two sizes bigger in the length.
This sizing adjustment accounts for the expected shrinkage in both the waist and length dimensions when the denim is first exposed to water and heat.
Recommended Sizing for Bathtub Shrink
| Dimension | Purchase Size Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Waist | Your true waist size |
| Length | Two sizes bigger than your true length |
Following this guideline ensures that after the initial shrinking process (like soaking in a bathtub), the jeans will fit closer to your intended size.
The Shrinking Process (Briefly)
While the question is about buying, the context of Shrink-to-Fit implies the shrinking process. The classic method involves soaking the jeans in a bathtub of hot water while wearing them, then wearing them dry. This allows the denim to mold perfectly to your body as it shrinks. Afterward, the jeans are typically line-dried.
In summary: When purchasing rigid Levi's 501® jeans specifically for the bathtub shrink method, focus on buying your regular waist size and adding two inches to the length size to accommodate for shrinkage.
